Algiers – The seventh edition of the National Cultural Festival of Traditional Clothing will be held from August 30 to September 2, 2025, at the Arts and Culture Center “Rais El Bahr Palace” (Fort 23) in Algiers, according to the festival’s commissioner, Fayza Riache, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
During a press conference held at Rais El Bahr Palace, Riache explained that the seventh edition will carry the theme “The Algerian Caftan, Heritage Tailored to Identity,” aiming to promote this traditional garment and encourage training in its tailoring and embroidery. She described the festival as “the essence of preserving national identity itself.”
The festival will feature the second National Symposium on the efforts of state institutions in protecting cultural heritage, titled “Our Cultural Sovereignty, a Comprehensive Commitment and Shared Responsibility,” supervised by the Minister of Culture and Arts, Zohir Ballou, at the National Center for Research in Prehistory, Anthropology, and History.
The symposium will involve heritage experts and representatives from various sectors, addressing topics such as Algeria’s international efforts to defend cultural heritage, protect cultural properties from illicit trafficking, and the role of media and civil society in promoting cultural heritage.
Additionally, the festival will dedicate a study day to the history of the Algerian caftan in the era of renewal, along with mechanisms for its preservation. Training workshops will also be opened for students of the Institute of Archaeology (Restoration Department) at the University of Algiers 2 and the Higher School for the Restoration of Cultural Properties in Tipaza.
Researcher in Algerian cultural heritage, Professor Aisha Hanafi, outlined details of the academic exhibition accompanying the event, which will highlight the history of the Algerian caftan with meticulously curated content to showcase its styles and accessories. The exhibition will involve artisans specializing in embroidery, tailoring, and design from 14 provinces.
The organizers noted that the festival will conclude with the announcement of the winners of the “Caftan Challenge 2025” competition, aimed at young designers to create innovative Algerian caftan designs with a modern touch that reflects the garment’s authenticity and traditional characteristics.
